It's time for Capital Region communities to speak up about whether they want to host a casino.

THE DEAL:

Slow play won't win this hand. And it's important to have all the cards face up.

A wedding is coming to the Capital Region, and the vows will go beyond sickness and health. We're about to witness a covenant between a casino and its host community. Success could yield economic benefits for the community and beyond, but negative consequences also could haunt the community for generations to come.

It's heartening to see the emphasis placed by the State Gaming Commission on the host community's desires. One-fifth of the siting decision will be based on "local impact and siting factors," and the commission's Facility Location Board specifically demands "a resolution passed by the local legislative body of its 'host municipality' supporting the application." The board also will weigh views of community leaders, religious groups and entertainment venues.

So to communities where casino proposals have surfaced, some advice: Speak now or forever hold your peace.

It's worth noting that majorities of voters in Saratoga, Schenectady and Albany counties opposed the state constitutional amendment that passed statewide last fall, which authorized at least one full-scale casino in the Capital Region. Only Rensselaer County voters supported it.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway, long thought to have the inside track for the region's casino, is up against an anti-casino resolution approved last month by the Saratoga Springs City Council. After the Gaming Commission released an 81-page request for applications this week, Mayor Joanne Yepsen noted that it is "the responsibility of the applicant ... to garner the support from the community." She added, "So far, that hasn't happened."

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The Galesi Group has suggested that a casino could be part of its proposed redevelopment along the Mohawk River just north of downtown Schenectady. The proposal also includes a residential and commercial neighborhood with a hotel, dock, condominiums and businesses. The City Council now awaits a formal pitch, and it, too, will have to vote.

In Rensselaer County, both the County Legislature and Rensselaer's Common Council already have endorsed a casino. While potential casino interests have looked at U.W. Marx's proposed De Laet's Landing site on the Hudson River, no specific proposal has emerged.

Two weeks ago, Rochester developer David Flaum unveiled a plan to build a $300 million-plus Albany casino, hotel and water park off Thruway Exit 23. Mr. Flaum made a presentation to the Common Council and asked for a resolution supporting it. So far, not one of the 16 council members has voiced outright opposition. An actual vote likely will be more contentious.

As a decision nears, citizens must take advantage of the Gaming Commission's transparent process and get informed. When suitors come calling, it's important to know whether a bouquet or a ball-and-chain is being offered. This is one proposal that can't come with any surprises.